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The former US president’s most recent warning to introduce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

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

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.