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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.