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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

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

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.