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Donald Trump’s newest threat to enforce an additional full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

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

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.