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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.