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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.