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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.