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Trump’s latest warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.