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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.