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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.