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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.