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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.