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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.