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Trump’s latest warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against China.

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

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.