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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.