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Donald Trump’s newest threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.