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The former US president’s latest warning to impose an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.