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Trump’s most recent threat to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

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

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.