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The former US president’s newest threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.