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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.