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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.