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Trump’s newest threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

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

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.