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Trump’s latest threat to impose an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.