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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra complete levy on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.