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Trump’s most recent threat to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the country handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.