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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

In May, the two sides had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

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

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.