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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.