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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.