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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative commented.

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

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.