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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.