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Trump’s newest threat to enforce an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also vowed to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.