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The former US president’s latest threat to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, 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 economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to press queries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative said.

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

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.