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The former US president’s most recent threat to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.