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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.