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Trump’s newest threat to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.