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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a scheduled summit with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.