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Trump’s latest threat to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

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

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a method of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.