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Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also 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.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.