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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative said.

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

Last week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.