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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while defending the country’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.