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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.