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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.