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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.