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Trump’s newest threat to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official commented.

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

Last week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.