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Trump’s most recent threat to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.