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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.