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Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.