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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an further full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

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

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.