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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

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

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.