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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

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

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.