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Donald Trump’s newest threat to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.