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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.