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

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.