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Trump’s newest warning to impose an further full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.