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Trump’s newest threat to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.