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The former US president’s most recent threat to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

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

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

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.