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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.