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Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

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

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.