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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

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

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.