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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

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

His comments renewed fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China facing an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.