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The former US president’s most recent warning to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.