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The former US president’s most recent threat to impose an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.