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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

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

In May, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released 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 US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.