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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.