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Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.