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Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.