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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.