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Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.