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Trump’s most recent threat to impose an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.