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Donald Trump’s newest warning to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

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

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.