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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.