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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.