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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.