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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.