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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.