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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.