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Donald Trump’s newest warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

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

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

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.