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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.