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Trump’s newest threat to impose an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.