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The former US president’s latest threat to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official commented.

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

Last week, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.