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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.