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Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

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

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, 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 upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.