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Trump’s newest threat to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

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

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the US and China.

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

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.