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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

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

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.