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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

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

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.