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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed 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 strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.