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The former US president’s newest threat to impose an further full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.