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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.