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Trump’s latest warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.