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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.