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Trump’s latest threat to impose an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

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

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.