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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an further full import duty on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed 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 goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.