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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, 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 two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

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

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.