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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President executes his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.