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Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earths, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.