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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.