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Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.