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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.