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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

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