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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.