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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

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

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.