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The former US president’s newest warning to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

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

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.