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The former US president’s newest warning to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

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

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

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.