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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” the official said.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.