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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect national security 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 “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.