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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement 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, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.