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Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

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

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the official stated.

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

Recently, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.