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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.