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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.