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The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the official said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials essential to high-technology production.

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

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.