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Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.