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Trump’s newest warning to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

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

In May, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.