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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also threatened to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.