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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.