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The former US president’s newest threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.