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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.