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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

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

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

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.