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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.