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The former US president’s latest threat to introduce an further full import duty on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.