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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official commented.

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

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.