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Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.