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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.