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Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.