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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

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

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.