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The former US president’s latest threat to introduce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements revived fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.