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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the official said.

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

Last week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.