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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

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

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.