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The former US president’s most recent warning to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.