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

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.