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Trump’s newest warning to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

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

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.