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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

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

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” the official said.

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

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.