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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.