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Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded 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 smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.