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The former US president’s newest threat to enforce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

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

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.