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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

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

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

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