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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.