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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

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

Last week, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.