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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.