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Trump’s latest warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

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

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.