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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled summit with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.