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Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

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

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.