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The former US president’s newest threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.