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Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

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

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.