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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.