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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

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

He also warned to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.