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The former US president’s most recent warning to introduce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

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

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.