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Donald Trump’s latest warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of every country.

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

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.