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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the official said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.