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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

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

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.