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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.