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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

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

As a result, American import duties on products from China incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.