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Trump’s latest threat to impose an extra complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative stated.

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

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.