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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.