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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

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

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.