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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative said.

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

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.