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

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

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

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.