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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.