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Donald Trump’s latest warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.