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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China facing an extra import tax 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 Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative commented.

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

Recently, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.