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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.