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The former US president’s newest threat to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

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

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.