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Trump’s latest threat to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

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

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.