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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.