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Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.