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The former US president’s newest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.