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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.