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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.