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Trump’s newest threat to enforce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.