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The former US president’s most recent threat to enforce an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the official said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.