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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.