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The former US president’s latest threat to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.