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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.