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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.