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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.