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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

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

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.