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The former US president’s latest threat to introduce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.