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The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.