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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

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

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.