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Donald Trump’s newest threat to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

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

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.