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

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.