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Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.