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

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China.

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

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

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