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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.