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The former US president’s newest warning to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.