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Donald Trump’s newest threat to introduce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

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

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.