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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.