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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.