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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.