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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

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

Last week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.