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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, 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 means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.