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The former US president’s most recent warning to introduce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

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

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with China,” their representative stated.

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

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.