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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.