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

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening export controls on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.