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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

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

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

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

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.