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The former US president’s newest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.