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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.