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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

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

The previous week, China declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.