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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.