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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies 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 incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.