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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.