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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

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

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

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

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.