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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also warned to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.