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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.