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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.