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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against China.

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

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

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