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Trump’s latest threat to enforce an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements revived concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.