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The former US president’s newest threat to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.