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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President executes his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.