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Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, 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 policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

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

The previous week, China announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.