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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.