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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

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

Last week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.