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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

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

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry 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 semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

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

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.