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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.