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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

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