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Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.