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Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

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

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.