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Trump’s newest warning to enforce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

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

Last week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.