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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.