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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.