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Donald Trump’s newest threat to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.