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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra 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 official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

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

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.