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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

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