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The former US president’s newest warning to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.