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Donald Trump’s newest threat to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.