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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.