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The former US president’s most recent threat to impose an extra complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.