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The former US president’s most recent threat to impose an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.