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Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, 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 format of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.