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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.