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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earths, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.