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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

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

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, 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, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.