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Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.