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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.