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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.