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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.