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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.