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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.