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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

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

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.