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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.