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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

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

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.