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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.