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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for 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 items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.