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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to cancel a planned summit with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

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

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

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

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.