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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

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