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Trump’s newest threat to impose an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.