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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.