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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.