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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.