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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

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

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.