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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.