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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with China,” the official commented.

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

The previous week, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.