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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.