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The former US president’s latest threat to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.