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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.