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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.