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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.