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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.