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The former US president’s latest threat to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.