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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.