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The former US president’s latest threat to enforce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” the official commented.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.