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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce 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 Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

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

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earths and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.