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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.