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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.