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Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

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

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.