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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on products from China facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.