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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul 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 steepest fall since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.