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Trump’s newest threat to impose an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

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

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.