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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.