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The former US president’s newest threat to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.