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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.