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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – echoed terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.