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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.