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Trump’s latest warning to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items 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 strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.