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Trump’s latest threat to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format 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 justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.