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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.