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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on products from China facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.