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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.