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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.