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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.