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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

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

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.