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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.