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The former US president’s most recent warning to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.