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

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.