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Trump’s latest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.