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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the official stated.

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

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.