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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.