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Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative commented.

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

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.