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Trump’s latest warning to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.