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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also threatened to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.