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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

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