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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.