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Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to press queries – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the official commented.

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

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.