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Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul later this month.

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

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

This past spring, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.