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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.