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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.