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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

In May, the two sides had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.