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Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional 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 representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

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

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.