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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

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

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.