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Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

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

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.