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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.