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

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, 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 conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

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

This was seen as a key move, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.