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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

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

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.