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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

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

The previous week, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.