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Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.