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Donald Trump’s newest threat to introduce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.