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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.