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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

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

His statements on Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

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

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.