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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an extra complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.