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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

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

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.