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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.