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Donald Trump’s newest warning to impose an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.