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Donald Trump’s latest warning to enforce an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.