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The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

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

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, expected at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.