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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.