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Trump’s newest threat to introduce an further complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments revived fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.