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Donald Trump’s newest threat to introduce 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 representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.