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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.