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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.