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Trump’s newest threat to introduce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.