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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

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

This was seen as a key move, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.