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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

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

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.