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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.