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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.