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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.