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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.