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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.