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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.