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Trump’s latest warning to impose an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the both nations had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.