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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.