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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.