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Trump’s latest threat to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.