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The former US president’s most recent threat to enforce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.