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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.