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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an additional full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.