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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.