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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy 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 the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.