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Trump’s newest threat to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.