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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict 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 raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.