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Trump’s newest threat to impose an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.