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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official commented.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.