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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.