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Trump’s latest threat to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns 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 start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

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

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.