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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.