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Donald Trump’s newest threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

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

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.