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Trump’s newest warning to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

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

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.