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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.