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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

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

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.