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The former US president’s newest threat to enforce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

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

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

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.