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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.