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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.