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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the official commented.

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

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.