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Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also warned to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.