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Donald Trump’s newest threat to enforce an additional complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.