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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

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

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

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.