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

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

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

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the official stated.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.