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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.