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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further full import duty on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

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

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.