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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.