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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

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

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.