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

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

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

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.