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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.