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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.