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Trump’s newest threat to impose an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

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

In May, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

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