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The former US president’s newest threat to impose an extra complete levy on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

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

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.