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Trump’s latest warning to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against China.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.