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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.