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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

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