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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.