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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official commented.

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

Recently, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.