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The former US president’s latest warning to impose an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.