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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled summit with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.