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Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.