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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.