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Trump’s latest threat to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a planned summit with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

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

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.