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The former US president’s most recent warning to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.