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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

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

Recently, Beijing declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.