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The former US president’s latest threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.