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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.