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

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.