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The former US president’s newest threat to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative commented.

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

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.