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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China incurring an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative said.

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

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.