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The former US president’s most recent threat to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

In May, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods facing 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 – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.