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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.