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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.