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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

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

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.