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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a method of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.