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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an added 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 – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.