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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled summit with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.