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Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

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

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

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