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Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Last week, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.