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Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned summit with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with China,” 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.”

Recently, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.