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The former US president’s latest threat to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

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

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.