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Donald Trump’s newest threat to impose an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.