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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – echoed language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” their representative commented.

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

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.