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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff 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 form of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

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

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.