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Trump’s most recent threat to impose an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.