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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

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

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.