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Trump’s newest threat to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.