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Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, 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 Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.