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Donald Trump’s newest warning to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.