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Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.