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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.