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The former US president’s latest threat to enforce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.