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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

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

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.