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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

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

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.