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Donald Trump’s latest warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements revived concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

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

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths 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 planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.