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The former US president’s most recent warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative commented.

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

The previous week, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.