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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

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

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.