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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.