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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.