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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with China,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.