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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.