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Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.