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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

In May, the two sides had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on products from China facing an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative stated.

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

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

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