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Trump’s latest threat to impose an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.