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The former US president’s most recent threat to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.