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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.