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

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.