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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” the official commented.

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

Last week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.