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The former US president’s newest threat to impose an further 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 representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.