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Trump’s latest warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.