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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a planned summit with China’s President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

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

The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.