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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.