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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.