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

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.