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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.