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The former US president’s latest threat to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China 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 China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

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

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.