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Donald Trump’s newest threat to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.