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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.