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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.