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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.