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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

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

Last week, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.