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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.