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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.