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

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

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

His statements on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

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

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

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

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.