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

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.