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The former US president’s latest threat to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.