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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.