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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to press queries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.