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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the both nations had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.