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The former US president’s most recent threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.