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Trump’s newest threat to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.