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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

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

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.