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Trump’s newest threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

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

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.