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The former US president’s most recent warning to impose an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.