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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

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

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.