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Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.