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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

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

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.