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Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

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

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.