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Trump’s newest warning to impose an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.