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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.