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The former US president’s latest threat to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

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

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.