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Trump’s most recent threat to impose an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.