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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.