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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.