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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the official stated.

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

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.