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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to 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 – published by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.