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Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.