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Trump’s latest warning to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.