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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.