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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

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

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.