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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.