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Trump’s newest threat to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

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

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.