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Donald Trump’s latest warning to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.