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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.