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Trump’s latest threat to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.