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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement 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, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.