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Trump’s latest warning to impose an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been 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 earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.