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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra complete levy on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

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

Last week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.