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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments revived fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.