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Trump’s newest threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the spokesperson stated.

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

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.