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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.