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Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.