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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the both nations had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.