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The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.