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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against China.

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

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

Last week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.