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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties 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 imports facing an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to high-technology production.

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

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.