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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

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

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.