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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.