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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to press queries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.