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Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.