🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.