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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a planned summit with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.