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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.