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The former US president’s newest warning to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.