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Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

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

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.