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The former US president’s latest threat to impose an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.