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Donald Trump’s newest threat to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.