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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.