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Trump’s latest warning to impose an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

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

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.