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The former US president’s latest warning to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the official commented.

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

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.