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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.