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The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials 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 items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.