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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.