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Trump’s newest warning to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by analysts as a method of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.