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The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also threatened to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.