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The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.