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The former US president’s most recent warning to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.