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Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.