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The former US president’s most recent threat to impose an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.