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Trump’s most recent warning to impose an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.