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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.