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

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

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

In May, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.