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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

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

These statements revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

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

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.