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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.