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Donald Trump’s latest warning to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.