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Trump’s most recent threat to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on products from China incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.