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Donald Trump’s newest threat to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned summit with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.