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The former US president’s latest threat to enforce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

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

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.