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Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.