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Trump’s newest threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Recently, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.