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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with China,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.